Meet Our TEAM
Dietrich A. Lake, attorney
Education
University of South Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2001
Lander University, B.S. in Business Administration, 1992
Associations
South Carolina Bar Association
South Carolina Black Lawyers Association
University and Early Work Experience
Mr. Lake received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lander University in 1992. He began his professional career as a claim adjuster with Seibels Bruce Insurance Company. At Seibels Bruce, Mr. Lake negotiated the settlement of bodily injury and property damage claims from automobile accidents. After leaving Seibels Bruce, Mr. Lake continued working as a claims adjuster negotiating and settling bodily injury and property damage on commercial insurance claims at Cigna Insurance Company.
Law School and Work as a Prosecutor
Mr. Lake entered law school in 1998 to pursue a career protecting the rights of citizens. Mr. Lake graduated with a Jurist Doctorate from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2001. After law school, Mr. Lake continued protecting the rights of victims as a prosecutor in Richland County. Mr. Lake, as an Assistant-Solicitor, initially prosecuted DUI (s), drug offenses, and fraud cases. Mr. Lake was promoted to a team leader position in 2002 where he oversaw a team of seven (7) members and continued to successfully prosecute burglaries, drug offences, DUI (s), and fraud cases. After serving as a team leader for two years, Mr. Lake was promoted to the task force team. Mr. Lake successfully prosecuted many murder cases, armed and unarmed robbery cases, assault and battery with intent to kill cases, and first-degree burglary cases.
Current Practice
Mr. Lake entered private practice in January 2008. He practices in the areas of automobile accidents, premises liability (slip and falls), worker’s compensation, personal injury, and criminal defense. Mr. Lake has obtained significant settlements for his clients involved in automobile accident, work-related accidents, slip and falls, and other personal injury cases. Mr. Lake has also successfully litigated a number of civil trials to a judgment in favor of his clients.
Mr. Lake continues to protect the rights of the criminally accused. He has successfully defended a significant number of individuals accused of violating drug laws, driving under the influence, crimes of violence, and/or crimes involving theft.
The Lake Law Firm’s motto remains the same, no matter the circumstances, “Know Your Rights Before You Lose Them.” We would love the right to earn your trust and your business.
Caroline Bevis
Paralegal
Caroline Bevis grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She moved to Columbia to attend University of South Carolina, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Global Studies. Caroline is hoping to continue her education with law school. Her bubbly personality and commitment to each case make her an essential part of our team.
La'trina Burkett
Legal Assistant
Originally from Philadelphia, La'Trina Burkett graduated from Columbia High School. She studied Aided Transcription at Midlands Technical College and earned her degree in Court Reporting. She's a foodie, shopper, and dedicated mother to her daughter, Nadia. With charm and pleasing etiquette, La'Trina is ready to serve our clients.